HOUSTON, Texas– Houston City Council approved new regulations for short-term rentals on Wednesday, impacting property owners and neighbors across the city.
Beginning January 1, all properties rented for fewer than 30 days must register with the city’s Administration and Regulatory Affairs (ARA) Department, paying an annual fee of $275 per unit.
The city reserves the right to revoke licenses for units frequently cited for violations of sound, litter, or health codes.
Some residents have advocated for limitations on the number of rental units per block or multifamily property, but the lack of zoning in Houston limits regulatory measures.
At-Large Councilmember Julian Ramirez emphasized the importance of enforcement to satisfy community concerns. Residents will have access to an online portal next year to report ordinance violations.
Enforcement agencies such as police, fire, and Public Works will report citations monthly to the ARA, and the director holds discretion in revoking licenses.
An owner with three or more revoked registrations within two years may face broader revocation actions by the ARA director.
At-Large District Councilmember Twila Carter supported the ordinance but expressed concerns about enforcement capabilities, referencing issues like noise and criminal activities previously unaddressed by law enforcement.
In related news, the projected budget for Houston’s fiscal year, starting July 1, faced a reduction of approximately one-third.
The Texas Supreme Court ruled in January that the city must allocate an additional $100 million to its street and drainage maintenance fund before June, following a prolonged legal dispute.
Mayor John Whitmire’s administration negotiated a plan to distribute the payment over several years. Houston plans to allocate $16 million to the fund this fiscal year and $48 million next year, with full payment scheduled by 2028, as initially reported by ABC13.
